Catullus and Licinius-Poem 50 analysis

Hesterno, Licini, die otiosi

The enclosing word order of Licinius bening between "hesterno"and "die" shows how Catullus spent the whole day with him and how Licinius occupies all his thoughts

multum lusimus...ludebat

EFP and 'u' assonance highlights their playfulness

The polyptoton of "lusimus" and "ludebat" emphasises their playfulness

Modo hoc modo illoc

Ellision and repetition creates a jerky rhythm which reflects that they aren't writing seriously and emphasises the fun that they are having

Lepore incensus, Licini, facetiisque

The metaphorical use of "incensus" is language of love poetry to show the extent of his affection for Licinius

Licinius' name being sandwiched between "lepore" and "facetiisque" to emphasise how his wit and charm are central parts of his character

ut nec me miserum cibus iuvaret nec somnus tegeret quiete ocellos

'm' alliteration emphaises his wretchedness as it is a sound of mourning

This melodramatic, hyperbolic reaction to being apart from Licinius which is enhanced by the chiasmus (ABBA of an object and then the nominative and a verb) which draws attention to his desparation

sed toto indomitus furore lecto

Enclosing word order as if the bed wraps itself around him to portray his inability to sleep.

"Indomitus" is a metaphor to emphaise his inability to sleep

versarer, cupiens videre lucem,

The positioning links Catullus' restlessness with his desire for licinius, which directly shows his affection

ut tecum loquerer simulque ut essem.

Repetition of "ut" and the use of simulque emphaises his keeness to see Licinius again

membra postquam semimortua lectulo

This 'm' alliteration creates a heavy sense of melodrama as it is a sound of mourning, which is reinforced by "semimortua" being hyperbolic.

The polyptoton of "lectulo" emphasises the setting of the bed which is langauge of love poetry

ex quo perspiceres meum dolorem.

The strengthening prefix and strong vocab of "perspiceres"show how Catullus wants Licinius to clearly see the pain he feels, which is reinofrced by the "er" assonance.

"meum dolorem" has 'm' alliteration to show his misery

cave...oramus, cave despuas, ocelle,

EFP of "oramus" highlights his desparation

Repetition of "cave" emphasises his points

"despuas" is strong metaphorical vocab and a hyperbole to show his strength of feelings

"ocelle" is a term of endearmenf to exhibit his affection

...caveto

The formal imperative form of "caveto" is Catullus ending the poem on a grand word to highlight the mock-solemn threat of Nemesis haunting Licinius